[mac6115cd]

Just write it off as OPS - Old People's Syndrom. They're unhappy because you planned well and they didn't. Envy is the hatred of the good for being good.

If a resident asked for your ID, ask for theirs and tell them they're younger than they look!

[BobnBev]

The few times I've gone to the Mallory pool, I have never been asked for an ID.
If I'm ever challenged, they better have an official employee I.D.
I'm usually not rude, but don't tempt me.

[JP]

Originally Posted by floridanative17;72***5

Most of the comments on this thread have been positive in nature, thank you for the good karma. It gives one food for thought, maybe the problems I am having are just a result of running into the wrong people and possibly giving them a bad vibe. Maybe I am beign overly sensitive and should care less what they think and just go on with life.

I think you may have found the answer. You are expecting something bad to happen and it shows and it happens.

[ssmith]

Just wondering if.....some are worried that their 55 status development is going away? Changing? Don't understand how they worked all of their lives and finally could retire when you are younger and did it. (this was my in-laws opinion....they worked long and hard hours, sacrificed much and then finally were able to retire---and would never have thought of retiring early---just their ethic maybe not others) (wish we could figure out how to do it) Not saying it is founded just wondering.

Perhaps some like being around older people just like them (common generation experiences)and don't want to see that disappear. (Gracie that is not you....you are much younger than most in your heart!!!!)

Wonder if others have tried to get around the rules....ie outside the establishment trying to abuse the priviledges of the place so they (the confronters) are protective of it.

We have rented often and at times have been treated differently. I try to understand cause this is not my hometown...however it is yours. In fact I do understand that they have paid for this place ie classes etc and I have not as a renter. We started coming there when we were in our early 50's and often got comments about it!

Sorry it has been so disappointing for you. This (TOTV) is a place to express ideas but doubt that it will change in your every day experiences other than perhaps getting confirmation for you and/or you seeing why it happens.

Thanks too for your service.

[lovinganimals]

I am 44 and just moved here a month ago. While at the Mulberry sports pool with my husband 9who is in his 50s), I was questioned while in the pool, which I was told is a no-no. I was told they only card you when you are not in the water. Anyway, the gentleman came over to the side of the pool and said in a rude voice, "are you 30?" And I said "yes, I live here" and again even louder and still rude "I don't care if you live here, are you 30?" Needless to say, I was upset. I don't usually mind the comments, but he was very rude. I wanted to report him but I couldn't find him later to get his name.

[perrjojo]

I am 70 and every time I go to a rec center, I am asked to show my ID. Most times at the pool we are asked to show our ID. I don't think they are asking you to do anything that is not asked of all residents. As far as the age comments go, many people just don't realize that 20% of our population can be younger than 55. Just consider that you are educating the unknowing.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by lovinganimals

I am 44 and just moved here a month ago. While at the Mulberry sports pool with my husband 9who is in his 50s), I was questioned while in the pool, which I was told is a no-no. I was told they only card you when you are not in the water. Anyway, the gentleman came over to the side of the pool and said in a rude voice, "are you 30?" And I said "yes, I live here" and again even louder and still rude "I don't care if you live here, are you 30?" Needless to say, I was upset. I don't usually mind the comments, but he was very rude. I wanted to report him but I couldn't find him later to get his name.

You must be a great looking girl who looks to be in her twenties at 44. You do know that the adult pools have an age restriction of 30.

I am an old looking girl, but trapped inside of me is a 16 year old. No one asks me much to show them ID but they all seem to smile at me. I like it here.

[asianthree]

i just thought is was me but everytime i am at the pool each person comes and checks my id and maybe one other then goes back inside...I will be there since the opening of the pool others come after me and not ever checked...and its not because i look that young...now while reading or with my eyes closed i hold up my id and and continue with my day...

[The Buckeyes]

What are the age restrictions and the rules for the villages to be deemed a retirement community?......I was always under the assumption at least one person in a residence had to be 55+. Just asking.

[birdawg]

Originally Posted by floridanative17

I Am 48, I am a retired U.S. Army Combat Veteran, and I am a property owner in The Villages for the last 6 years; and I receive challenges daily when I visit my local Rec Center and Pool, but I always present my Villages ID and then receive inquiries in regards to my residential status. Regardless of my appearance, I am retired Villages homeowner. That said, I am tired of the constant queries. I bought here as a retiree due to the high resale value and the high neighborhood upkeep. My property has increasing value and I aim to maintain this; so, seriously, why the age bias?

Thanks for your SERVICE to our country.

[rayschic]

Originally Posted by floridanative17;72***5

Most of the comments on this thread have been positive in nature, thank you for the good karma. It gives one food for thought, maybe the problems I am having are just a result of running into the wrong people and possibly giving them a bad vibe. Maybe I am beign overly sensitive and should care less what they think and just go on with life.

I moved down here in my forties and have been here almost 8 years. I still get lots of nasty comments about being too young to be here. I have noticed that it is a lot of the same people. For example, my street used to have monthly parties and at EVERY party, two of the couples would corner me and grill me about why I lived here. At first, I was offended because I felt they were being pretty rude. But, after they kept bringing it up at EVERY party, I just excuse myself to talk to someone else and laugh it off. Some peolple will NOT change their opinion that younger people don't deserve to be here. I have also gotten a few snide remarks at the pool. You just can't change how OTHER people feel, so try to just laugh it off. It's not worth getting upset about. I don't expect to get these comments much longer. LOL

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by rayschic

I moved down here in my forties and have been here almost 8 years. I still get lots of nasty comments about being too young to be here. I have noticed that it is a lot of the same people. For example, my street used to have monthly parties and at EVERY party, two of the couples would corner me and grill me about why I lived here. At first, I was offended because I felt they were being pretty rude. But, after they kept bringing it up at EVERY party, I just excuse myself to talk to someone else and laugh it off. Some peolple will NOT change their opinion that younger people don't deserve to be here. I have also gotten a few snide remarks at the pool. You just can't change how OTHER people feel, so try to just laugh it off. It's not worth getting upset about. I don't expect to get these comments much longer. LOL

Rayshic?

Are they all nasty? Or just sort of back handed complements. I know a girl of 90 and she is beautiful and she is always getting..."You are way too young to live here". And she generally receives that compliment with her usual grace.

I sort of look on youth and the appearance of youth as a lovely blessing just as the blessing of skill or athletic ability. I kind of have been taught that we don't put those advantages out to others and especially to those who do not have them. It seems obvious in a community of mostly over 55 people that those who are younger are generally more fit and more attractive. Sometimes it is hard to tell. This whole issue just doesn't sit right with me. I have spent the entire morning trying to see the ugliness in my soul and I am sure it is my character weakness somehow.

I would like to hear just what kind of rude comments do older people address toward younger residents? I am aware of the reverse, unfortunately. Sometimes groups of younger prople form to exclude older ones here and I am told that that is because older people and younger people do not have the same interests. I am still trying to understand all this.

I know that I was beginning to disappear in my whole spectrum age community up North. Strangers often would look through me. If this has happened to you, you will know what I mean. I love that here we are all somewhat the same age and have many of the same life experiences. We have launched our families, had interesting work, managed to save and sacrifice enough to quit working and had enough courage to leave the familiar to begin a new life. It just feels nice to be with age peers, give or take 30 or 40 years. I still love young people and have not forgotten how to speak their language but am glad to be with people who have been there and done that in life.

This whole thread has made me feel bad.... And especially when people I think very much of were shocked at my attitude. I most certainly must be wrong.

[Chazz]

Floridanative17, I thank you for your service to this country and for helping to make TV a more diverse and interesting place to live! I'm sorry that there are some who live here that don't see things that way, but every place has people who we might prefer to not encounter. Try not to let them get you down.

[ilovetv]

Originally Posted by The Buckeyes

What are the age restrictions and the rules for the villages to be deemed a retirement community?......I was always under the assumption at least one person in a residence had to be 55+. Just asking.

It has to do with federal laws against age discrimination in housing (in this case against children and people under 55), and the federal exemption given for a 55+ community. Twenty percent can be under 55 with this, below, and then TV has its own added restriction of nobody under age 19 living here.

See Questions 14 and 15 at:

http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/library/hopa95.pdf

I don't know how anybody here could not want some people under age 55 and over 19 living here. Many people get really stiff and crabby after age 70 and it's good to have some new blood and youth around to balance it out.

[BettyCrocked]

Floridanative, I feel your pain. The first time I met one of my next door neighbors, he said "we are SO glad to see some young blood moving in!" He elaborated that there are still a couple of first generation homeowners on our street that are unable to participate in activities any longer.
He then went on to warn me that there are also many villagers who love to look down their nose at anyone who isn't from their generation. Frankly, I haven't encountered it in person as much as I have on this forum, lol!
Just let it roll off your back. I have found that there are just as many "bitter old goats" out there as there are "rude babyboomers".